Machine operated track wrench



May 15, 1951 H. H, TALBoYs MACHINE OPERATED TRACK WRENCH 11 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed May 4I 1944 May 15, 1951 H. H. TALaoYs MACHINE oPERA'rEn mmc wRENcH 11 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 4, 1944 May 15, 1951 H. H. TALBoYs 2,552,655

MACHINE OPERATED TRACK WRENCH Filed May 4, 1944 1l SheetSf-Sheet 3 H. H. TALBOYS MACHINE upm'mn mdk wRENcH May 15, 1951 Flled May 4, 1944 May 15, 1951 H. H. TALBoYs MACHINE OPERATED TRCK WRENCH 11 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed May 1l 1944 j?? Ver? far May 15 1951 H. H. TALBoYs 2,552,655

MACHINE oPERATEn 'mex WRENCH Filed May 4,` 1944 11 Sheets-Sheei 6 Few y Mum May 15, 1951 H. H. TALBoYs 552,655

MACHINE oPERA'rED 'mex WRENCH Filed May 4, 1944 11 sheets-sheet "7.

n Sheets-Sheet 8 far/ei? a? @ff/qw y @im mi@ H. H. TALBOYS MACHINE OPERATED TRACK WRENCH May 15, 1951 Flled May 4, 1944 May 15, 1951 H, H, TALBQYS 2,552,655

MACHINE OPERATED TRACK WRENCH Filed May 4, 1944 11 ShetS-Sheet 9 y Mm May 15, 1951 H. H. rALBoYs MACHINE OPERAI'ED TRACK WRENCH Filed My 4, 1944 11 Shoets-Sheet 10 May 15, 1951 H. H. TALqoYs 2,552,655

MACHINE oPERA'rED mex wassen Filed May 4. 1944 11 Sheeiw-Sheet 11 www Patented May 15, 1951 MACHINE OPERATED TRACK WRENCH Henry H. Talboys, Milwaukee, Wis., assignor to Nordberg Manufacturing Company, Milwaukee,

Wis., a corporation of Wisconsin Application May 4, 1944, Serial No. 534,081

(Cl. lll- 54) 17 Claims.

This invention relates to an improvement in track wrenches and has for one purpose to provide a track wrench which is relatively light and eilicient, which rides on the rails of a track and which may be employed to tighten or remove nuts and bolts employed in connection with the track rails.

Another purpose is to provide improved driving means and an improved driving connection for such a Wrench.

Another purpose is to provide an improved frame structure for such a wrench.

Another purpose is to provide improved manual control means for the actuation of the wrench.

Another purpose is to provide improved reversing means in connection with the drive for such a wrench.

Another purpose is to provide means for backing 01T or loosening frozen nuts and bolts.

Another purpose is to provide an improved overload release.

` Another purpose is to provide a reversible unit which may be operated in either direction along a track.

Another purpose is to provide improved means for supporting the movable carriage of a track wrench.

Other purposes will appear from time to time in the course of the specification and claims.

The invention is illustrated generally in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating the wrench in position for use and supported on the rails of a track.

Figure 2 is a side elevation.

Figure 3 is a partial plan view illustrating the lower track-engaging portion,

Figure 4 is a section on an enlarged scale on the line 4-4 of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a section on the line 5-5 of Figure 4.

Figure 6 is a plan view of the frame structure. Figure 7 is a section on the line 'I-l of Figure 6.

Figure 8 is a partial vertical longitudinal section on an enlarged scale.

Figure 9 is a section on the line 9-9 ure 8.

Figure l0 is a section on the line IIE- I0 of Figure 8.

Figure 11 is a section of the line I I-I I of Figure 2, on an enlarged scale.

Figure 12 is a section on line I 2-12 of Figure 11.

of Fig- Figure 13 is a section on the line I3-I3 of Figure 11.

Figure 14 is a partial plan view of the frame illustrating the motor support.

Figure 15 is an enlarged section on linel I5-I5 of Figure 6.

Figure 16 is a section on the line I6-I 6 of Figure 15.

Figure 1'7 is an enlarged I'l-Il of Figure 2.

Figure 18 is an enlarged section on the line I8--I8 of Figure 17.

Figure 19 is a partial sectionillustrating the control handles and associated parts.

Figure `20 is a `similar view, with parts in a diierent position.

Figure 21 is a section on the line 2 I-2l of Figure 19.

Figure 22 is a section on line 22-22 of Figur 'e`19.

Figure 23 is a section online 23-23 of Figure 19.A Figure 24 is a section on line 24-24 of Figure 19.

' Figure 25 is a detail view of one of the parts section on the line shown in Figures 1 to `24.

vFigure 26 is a section on line 26-26 of Figure 19.

Like parts are indicated by like symbols throughout the spec'ication and drawings.

Referring to the Vdrawings and, for example, to Figure 1:

I, 2 illustrates two rails of a track upon which the device operates. Figure 1 `illustrates the track wrench with the major part of the operating mechanism generally vertically aligned with `the rail 2 of the track. In Figure 1 the deviceis illustrated with the wrench element actually in position to engage a nut or bolt.

Referring rst to the portion of the device which engages the track rail, Figure 3 illustrates the rail engaging base portion which includes a base frame generally indicated as 3, havingI a pair of parallel side frame elements 4 connected by one or more cross pieces 5 and secured toa transversely extending track spanning member The member 6 is provided witha telescopic extension member 1, the two members 6 and 'I being of sufficient length so that the space between the two rails I and 2 can be spanned. 8 is any suitable roller at the end of the member I adapted to engage the rail I and suitably insulated from the member "I, as by insulating sleeves and washers 9. I0 is any suitable counterweight adapted to be removably applied to the member 1..

It will be understood that the member 1 may be inserted in the spanning member 6 at either end of the member 6. The locking or securing means at each end may be identical. II is an arcuate supporting track, the ends of which are secured in relation to the ends of the member 6. As will be clear from Figures 4 and 5, the ends ofthe arcuate Supporting track Il are vertically superposed above the ends of the member 6, and are vertically spaced therefrom. Intermediate the ends of the bar 1 is permanently secured a sleeve I2 having an annular 'eccticilange I3, with a peripherial cutaway portion I4adapted to receive a locking dog "l5, pivotedlasatgl, between the members 6 Land' II'.""'I'he"d0g-1s mounted upon or between spacers I1, which may be welded at their upper and lo'wer edges to the members II and B, respectively. The dog is. p ro vided with a lifting handle or bar I8. A spring I!!v tends normally to urgethe dogdirectly-Ainto `a^locking position. Welded to the ring orange ,I3` a key or lugrI3Aiwhich extends ,between two'flanges 2U fixed in relation to the memben. rotation of the baril` in relation tothe member 6 is prevented when the bars arelocked tpgetlner.4 At each ,end of.the ..areuate.ftrack-'II is mounted a pin 2|, the purpose of which will llater appear. y The' above described strueture..-constitutesa flower or base Aframewhich spans `t he`.r ails of a track and which rides on the rails.,v -Weillustrate,` for example,` a v pair. of rail-engaging. wheels 25, 26, mounted between the sideframe members 3 and 4. Y `Thewheels are `shown as being formed of opposed cones which tend .totcentenonlthe railY 2, and vwhich make unnecessary the use of any substantial flange structure for the wheels. llpwardly extending from'one end offthe-side frame members and 4 is a bridge structure generazlly, indicated.as-21, thelupper portion of which serves as a support for the later describedlower viiange at-certain positions Vof the upper frame The upper frame may be connected to the bridge 2 1, as by one ormore springs 28,- `anchored on the cross piece 29. The bridge also'includes'a crossrpiece 30,V which maybe apertured toreceive a plunger 65 mounted on the below described upperframe.- f

Mounted .ont the base `frame is a-sub-frame, Vor operating frame, which carries thewrench structure proper 4and the power plant therefor. The

. upper frame ishshownffor example, in Figures 6.,'and '71,fand includes longitudinally extending sideirame elements 35,-.'i5,witlr1v a'plurality 'of cross-'pieces-36f31, /38,39,'4Il and 4I. v42 illus-'- ,trates a telescepichandle` bar structure for vone end :o f the frame. M43 indicates a" second 'telescopic handle structure" mounted on the "opposite end of theV` frame and eXtending`through` any suitable'sleeves 44, attached to'cross pieces^39 1 f Upwardly 'extending from the lfthand ofthe frame', as shown in Figures 6 and 7, .are a plumuty of bearing clamps' 45,' the purpose 'of which will later appear; Attach'ed'toA 'them is 'a `crss piece Y 46 vertically l,aligned and'fupwardly'spaeed from 'the cross piece 31. Mounted on an inter# mediate portion of me side frames are bearing supporting brackets41 'whichrsup'portbearing clamps 48. The bearing'clamps 48 are connected to the cross pice 46 Iby the longitudinally extending upper'members' 49. Ylngularly extending additiontu V'reinfmrcement-s sliv 'are' also employed The members :49ra'nd ABS-may be connectedA by There is illustrated, .for example, a pin 54 welded tcl-the member 53a." The spring 55 is adapted normallyto keep the parts in the position in 'which they "are" shown in fun une. in Figures 15 and "16J 56 isany suitable retaining abutment. 5 8 .are bearings upwardly extending from the "side frame member 35, the purpose of which will @tempi-Sear: -..59. ereiwebannels @ash .Carrying a bearing 66. 6I areupwardlyfextending bracketsarrying at their 11131581 end retaining VmemberIZV cut Aaway as, at 63, for aY purpose willlaterapperar. d

ulllountd 0n the. Gross lliea brerarlg block 64. 65 is a lockinglplunger mounted-'in ,bearingeplates 616,61, on the crossV pieces 3`81ar`1d SS'QIt is normally urgedV in" alockingposition by the spring 68 compressed betweenhthe bearing plate 61 and the `abutment platetalengthe plunger. 15 is V1 linfiiv5 ypin and 1Iis^any1su itableV manual handle. i j Y i ,jr

@ ,With reference to Figure 1, itv will, be observed that any suitable power plant, for 'exampley'anV internal combustionmotor M, isY mounted oni` the 'rabbi/.e .described sub-frame,` and serves to provide power for the wrench mechanism, whichvwilllater be described. The motor M restsup'on any suit- 'able Supporting `plate 15 andrmay be secured thereto. The plate 15 is secured tof a'sleeve 16, carrying within it bearing elementsLFigure 9, slidable, on the shaft 18 held inithefabove-*described members 58. It will be' observed that -the motor may be adjusted along' the shaft 1,8.`The plate 15, at its oppositeV edge, is confined jby'ai over-hanging plate 86, which is jattached'jtosa bracket 19 on 'the member 4I. Thus', rotation Vof theplate. 15 about the axis of the shaft1`18'is prevented. Secured to the bottomY of the'plate .15, isuayblock SI. Abutting against'its .opposite edges Yare opposed thrust elements 82, slidable' Von the spacer sleeve 83, adjustably mountedonithe shaft 84, which extends between the side frame elements 35. are abutments mounted onthe shaft 84 at the opposite ends ofthe sleeve 83. Between each ofthe. abutments 85 and .'oneidfthe thrust members 32 is' compressed V4av springji86. Thus, the plate 'I5 is normally centered at, apredetermined position on the shaft 18; Itrna'y be moved from this position by @the crank' pin Y8l, whichextends from the crank armtbnthe shaft 89, mounted in the bearingril 99 is any suitable anti-frictional member surrounding the pin 81 and interposed between the abutnientsV 82. The outer upper endof the shaft 89is supported in aibearng sleeve 9|, which', in turn, ,issupported on the handle structure y92 with its short upper handle bar 93.` Member 92 is secured at.

' itsilower endv to the mainframe. The means for rotating the shaft 89 is shown in substantiall detailrin Figures 19 Aand following. 94 illustratesa sleeve surrounding `the shaft `61:!,andprovided' with inner bearing members95. YSecured tothe sleeve 94 is an outwardly extending bai` r96 with any suitable handle grip 9,1., Secured to the sleeve Mounted below 94 is a half round portion 98,v with a. cutaway portion 99. is a second sleeve, which is keyed to the shaft 89 and which abuts at its outer end against the end of the sleeve 94, which is free on the shaft 8S. Extending downwardly from the member |00 are generally parallel wings |0|, having opposed inner parallel faces |02. Each of the wings is provided with a bearing element |03 for the pin |04, surrounded by the sleeve |05, having an upper projection |05, having a forked upper end |07, conforming generally to the une derside of the shaft 80. |08 is a downward extension from the sleeve |05, normally thrust by the spring |09 into the position in which it is shown in Figure 19, in which it abuts against a limit ange 0 of the member The upper projection |06 abuts against the adjustable pin ||2 of the member The flange ||0 is generally arcuate, as shown in Figure 24, and is connected by arms 3 with the sleeve ||4, which surrounds the shaft 8:1 and is provided with a bearing sleeve l5 and an extension sleeve H6. The extension sleeve H6 has a bearing l1 at its opposite, lower end. The bearing ||1, Figure 8, has a downwardly projecting arm I8, With its reinforcement H9, and is apertured at |20 t0 receive a connecting pin |2| of a diameter somewhat less than the aperture |20 to provide a measure of flexibility. Connected to the opposite end of the member |2|, and spaced by the spacing sleeve |22, is the arm |23, which is connected to a clutch housing, which will later be described.

Also mounted on the sleeve |05 is the arm |24, which carries two anti-friction members |25, one of which may seat within the cutaway portion 95 of the member 98; the other being adapted to seat between the opposed parallel faces |02 of the arms |0|. It will be understood that when the parts are in the position in -which they are shown in Figure 19, if the handle 91 is rotated in either direction, the result is to rotate the sleeve 94, which, in turn, rotates the arm |24 and, through it, the sleeve |00 which is keyed to the shaft 85. This rotates the shaft 83 and actuates the crank 81 and bodily moves the motor supporting platform. In other words, the operator, through the handle 91, can move the motor platform transversely in either direction from a predetermined neutral position in which it is yieldingly held by the springs 86.

The motor M may be of any suitable type, the details of which are not shown since they do not of themselves form part of the present invention. Referring, for example, to Figure 17, the motor is shown as provided with an outwardly extendingV drive shaft or stub |30, upon which is adjustably mounted a driving member |3| in the form of a truncated cone of nbre, or other suitable material. When the motor platform is permitted to take the neutral position into which it is normally urged by the springs 85, the cone |3| will be in the neutral or inactive position in which it is shown in Figure 17.

With reference to the structure of Figure 17, the fricticnal exterior surface of the conic or bevel gear |3| is subject to wear and thus to reduction in diameter. To compensate for such wear, it is necessary to move the member |3| toward the below described shaft |32. This is accomplished by advancing the nut |3|a on the threaded element |3|- 13, after rst loosening the machine screw |30-a. In order to get at the machine screw |30-a, it is necessary` to remove the motor, To relocate the motor after its removal from the plate 15, thealigning or locating lugs 15-a have been added to assist in4 rapid realignment.

|32 is any suitable driven shaft upon which is fixed a pulley element having outwardly flared members |33, |34, having faces adapted to `be opposed to the member |3|. When the motor M is moved in one direction, the cone |3| engages the member |33. When the motor is moved in the opposite direction, the cone |3| engages the opposite member |34. Thus, in response to rotation of the control shaft 89 by the above described structure, the operator, by manipulating the handle 91, may cause the motor to drive the shaft |32 in the rotational direction desired. When the handle 91 is released, the motor platform moves to the neutral position and the cone 3| is thereby returned to the inactive position in which it is shown in Figure 17. The shaft |32 is supported in any suitable bearings which are mounted in the .bearing clamps 48, as shown, for example, in Figures 6, 7 and 17.

A two-speed transmission is indicated, Figure 8, although it will ybe understood that any suitable multiple speed transmission may be employed. However, the structure shown includes a split housing |36, supported by an anti-friction member |38 on a sleeve |39, which is, in eifect, the hub of the gear |40.

The ball bearing assemblies, 250, 25|, support the entire gear structure and perm-it the rotation of the housing |36 in relation to the frame 35 which is necessary to actuate the overload release later described.

Rotatably mounted on" the housing itself is a shaft |4| having a pinion |42 in mesh with the gear |40, and a gear |43 in mesh with an opposed gear |44, which, in turn, is rotatable about the shaft |32. Any suitable anti-friction means |45 is employed. The gear |44 carries an outwardly extending shell |46, in which are carried clutch plates |41, which interpenetrate with opposed clutch plates |48 held against rotation in relation to the intermediate enlarged portion |32- a of the shaft |32. A similar system of plates is shown at |41-a, |48-a, in connection with the gear |40. A clutch actuating sleeve |50 is slidable alongr the shaft portion |32- a and is effective when moved to its opposite limit of movement, to lock the gear |40 in relation to the shaft |32. Thus, depending upon the actuation of the clutch actuating sleeve 50, the sleeve |39 is rotated either directly by the shaft |32 or indirectly, through the sub-shaft |4|, at reduced speed. This constitutes a simple and efficient two-speed mechanism.

, A sleeve |5| surrounds the right-hand end of the shaft |32, referring to the parts in the position in which they are shown in Figure 17. This sleeve may be driven in any suitable manner from the sleeve |39 of the gear |40. For example, an interpenetration of the sleeves |30 and |5|, as shown in Figure 17, may be employed. The sleeve |5| carries the twin driving sprockets |52,

f about which pass any suitable chains |53.

In order to actuate the clutch sleeve |50, there are provided outwardly extending pins |54, which are engaged by a fork |55, which is supported by any suitable bearings in a housing |55, attached to the gear box |35. |51 illustrates any suitable universal joint connected to the fork |55 by a shaft |51-a. It is also connected to a squared socket, or sleeve |58, which is penetrated by a squared member |59 at the end of the actuating rod |60. The.shaftor rod |60 is supportedn f ings at the end of the box or boxes 2I0.

'auf pperfpearmg' f1 s [f secured' adiacenti to' 'the tarrngfisl-.effthe roeier shaft as; as" shown' in through aligned aperturesfin the members |66,

I"61`,'a`r`v1d` |68, and carries at each end spring seatsITIJ and I1|.` `Any suitable adjustingnuts |`I2"m'ay be 'provided to adjust the compression ofjthe springs |13, of which one is compressed Y between th'e members |61 and'l'i, and theother is'fhoihpressed between-members |68 and I1I. These springs tend to hold'the arm |65 in the p'sition in which it is -shown in Figure 8. The

rsultis to provide means for normally preventinfg" rotation of thegear box |36, while permittingan overload release. Note Valso that the arm |65 nay' be positively locked-in the position in which itis shown in Figure 8 by means of the locking lever |15, pivoted as at |16 inthe beartujlssmrrthearm |65 and is provided with e. locking notch 'I'I'I-opposed'to a locking' edge |16 ofsai'd aperture.` VAsprin'g" |19 tends normally to urge the lever to the release position in which'it is,l 'shownin1igure 8.y 'A-,co'rd Yor chain '7180 vrmay -fb'eMemployed' to move it "toward the locking position, the opposite end of the cord or chain |80 being anchored, as at ISI, adjacent the operating handles, above described, this anchored cord beingshown in Figures 19 and 20.

- The chains |53 drive the Wrench structure proper. Referring, for example, to Figure 2, the chains |53 are shown in a safety housing structure 200. An idler sprocket 20| is adjustably mounted on a vertical lbracket 202. 203 is a driven sprocket about which pass the chains |53, the sprocket being keyed to a shaft 204 mounted in the `bearing clamps 45. YTheV shaft 204, in turn, carries a triple sprocket 206, about which pass chains 261, which, in turn, pass about a triple sprocket 20B rotatable ,at the lower end of the arms 209, which carry at the lower end boxes 2|0. The arms 2,09 are secured to the frame structure, for example, to the cross pieces 36 and 31. It will thus be seen thatn order to move the arms up and down, it; isl necessary to bodily tilt the frame structure, as will later be pointed out in detail.

'It will be understood that lunder some circumstances,V it maybe desirable to omit the take-up illustrated at 200, 20I202, in Figure 2, permitting the chain-I53to run loose. If Vit is run loose,- it is then possible to use the slackness of the chain as a means to gain inertia in breaking loose nuts which may be ruste-d in place. The jerk or impact adds considerably Vto the eectiveness-of the device.

The sprocket 208 is provided with lateral shaft.

extensions 2II, mounted in any suitable bear- Each end of the shaft has a squared, rounded portion Y-2I2, adaptedY to penetrate a squared aperture V214 in.a.bolt engaging socket 2| 3.

Vend of the chain 250.

in which they are lshown in Figure y11 Vby springs 222 on the pin 223; 224 arepvot pins about which the arms 22| are rocked by the action of the springs 222. 221 indicates centering abutments on the armsV 209, which, as shown in Figure 13, assist in positioning the members 22| in proper Yrelationship to engage the pins 220 in the apertures 2I9. V

It will be realized that whereas a practical and operative structure has been described vand shown, neverthelessma'ny changes in size, shape, number anddisposition of parts may be made without departing materially from the spirit of the invention. I wish, therefore, that my showing be taken as in a broad sense as diagrammatic and illustrative, rather than limiting me to the precise showing.

The use 'and operation of the device follows:

Referring for example to Figure 1, there is illustrated a structure in which a base frame or lower carriage directly engages both ralsrofl a Vare vas track. This bottom carriage isshown in plan.

view, for example, in Figure 3. The major weight of the device is aligned with the track portion which carries the rail engaging Wheels 25 and 26. The device may be reversed'on the track by removing the member 1 from one end of the cross piece 6 and reinserting it in the other end.

Mounted on the arcuate track |I is the upper carriage, or sub-frame, Vwhich carries all of the operating parts. The track II denes the path of movement of this carriage. The spring V25| with its securing chain 250 may be employed to bias the upper carriage toward movement against one side or another of the rail, depending upon which of the securing members 2| receives the The springs 28 Vtend to move the upper carriage to neutral position or to urge the upper frame to horizontal position. The upper frame not merely rotates about a center dened by the arc of the track Il, but also tilts about the track I I. The springs 28 tend normally to urge the upper, or sub-frame, to a horizontal position, which will hold the wrench-at a level above the rails. In that position the abutments 252 on the lower side of the cross piece 39 of the upper carriage engage the bridge member 21 of the lower carriage and the sub-frame may be locked by use of the locking plunger'55, which may engage an aperturein the member 30. During Vthe actual operation of the device, the plunger is withdrawn to inoperative position.

Assuming that the operator has supported the device along the rail in line with a nut or bolt upon which the machine is to operate, the motor being in constant operation, the operator depresses the left end Vof the frame, as shown Figure 1, and engages one of the wrench sockets 2|3 with a nut. Assuming that he is'removing a nut. He then Yactuates the handle |63 to move the clutch |50 to the low-speed position in which the gear |44 isclutched to the shaft |32. In the form of the device herein shown, the gear shift handle |63- will remain in any position in which it isV placed, and may be positioned either in neutral position `or in gear. Whenthev operator has positioned the gear shift handle |63 at the desired position, he then rmoves the handle 91 in the proper direction to engage the cone |3| with that one of the members |433 or |34 which will give the right direction of drive. The result is a drive at low speed from the motor through the shaft |32, the chains |53 and the chains 201 to one of the wrench sockets 2|3. After the nut has been loosened, the operator then shifts the clutch handle |63 to the high speed position and backs the nut off.

It will be understood that the handle 91 will automatically slip back into neutral unless it is forcibly held in the forward or in the reverse position. It forces contact of the taper pulley |3| with one or another of the friction discs |33, |34, as shown in Figure 17. In that :ligure the pulley |3I is shown in the central or neutral position which it will take in the event that the handle 91 is released by the operator.

Putting on a nut calls for the same steps in reverse. That is to say, this nut is rst run up at high speed and is finally set or tightened at low speed. If the nut is frozen, the structure shown in Figure 8 provides a safety release. The torque will rotate the gear box |35 either clockwise or counter-clockwise and the springs |13 limit and cushion the movement of the gear box. When this takes place, the lever |23 pushes or pulls the sleeve ||6 along the rod or shaft 89. If it is pushed, the pin ||2, shown for example in Figure 2D, will press the lever or projection |06, and moves the parts to the position in which they are shown in Figure 20. This causes the member 98 to clear the roller |25, moving from the position in which it is shown in Figure 22. The handle moves up or down, depending upon its initial position, and the locking connection between the sleeves 9,4 and is broken. The springs 86, which control the position of the motor and the motor platform, are then effective to move the motor to the neutral position in which it is shown in Figure 17, the cone |3|, which is constantly rotating, being then out of engagement with either of the surfaces |33 or |34. If the sleeve IIB is moved downwardly, then the flange ||0 is effective to engage the lever |08, which, in turn rotates the parts to the position in which they are shown in full and in dotted lines in Figure 20, and the motor is moved to the neutral position as above described. The springs |13 may be so set as to provide a desired limit of torque. Thus, the nut or bolt is run up to a predetermined tightness and the device then gives.

The overload release may be made ineffective by movement of the lever into the latching position by means of the cord |80.

I claim:

l. In a track wrench, a base frame movable along a railroad track, an arcuate 'track on said base frame extending generally horizontally and transversely of the track, a wrench carriage mounted for movement along said arcuate track, said wrench carriage including a wrench arm movable unitarily with the carriage, a track wrench on said arm including a rotatable hori` zontally axised socket element, a power plant on said carriage, a driving connection between said power plant and said socket element, the carriage being manually tiltable whereby to align said socket element horizontally with the element to be operated on, and manually operable means for controlling the driving connection between the power plant and the socket member.

2. In a track wrench, a main carriage and means for movably supporting it upon the rails l0 of a track, an arcuate rail member on said care riage, extending generally horizontally and generally transversely across said track about a center vertically aligned with one rail of the track, a wrench carriage mounted for endwise movement on said arcuate rail and freely tiltable in relation thereto, said wrench carriage having rotatably mounted thereon a horizontally axised wrench socket, a motor on said carriage, a driving connection between said motor and said socket, and means normally urging said wrench carriage to generally horizontal position with said socket upwardly withdrawn, said means being of insufficient strength to prevent a manual tilting of said wrench carriage on said arcuate rail effective to align the wrench socket horizontally with the side of the track rail.

3. In a track wrench, a main carriage and means for movably supporting it upon the rail of a track, an arcuate rail member on said carriage, extending generally horizontally and generally transversely across said track rail, a wrench carriage movably mounted on said arcuate rail and freely tiltable in relation thereto, said wrench carriage having rotatably mounted thereon a wrench socket, a motor on said carriage, a driving connection between said motor and said socket, and means normally urging said wrench carriage to generally horizontal position, said means being of insuiicient strength to prevent a manual tilting of said wrench carriage on said arcuate rail effective to align the wrench socket with the side of the track rail, and means for positively locking said wrench carriage against tilting movement in relation to said arcuate rail.

4. In a track wrench, a main carriage and means for movably supporting it upon a railroad track, an arcuate rail member on said carriage, extending generally horizontally and generally transversely across one track rail about a center vertically aligned with said rail, a Wrench carriage mounted for ready endwise movement along said arcuate rail and freely tiltable in relation thereto, said wrench carriage having rotatably mounted thereon a horizontally axised wrench socket, a motor on said carriage, a driving connection between said motor and said socket, yielding means tending normally to urge said wrench carriage to a position in which said socket is upwardly withdrawn from the railroad track, and control handle means adapted for the ready manual tilting of said wrench carriage against said yielding means, whereby to align the wrench socket horizontally with the side of the track rail.

5. In a track wrench, a base movable along a track rail, a carriage tiltably mounted on said base for movement about a generally transverse axis, a track nut or bolt engaging socket element rotatably mounted on said carriage for rotation about a generally horizontal axis generally perpendicular to the side of the track rail along which the base is movable, a driving connection for said socket element including driving and driven sprockets, means for rotating said driving sprocket and a driving chain extending loosely about said sprockets, said chain having suicient slackness, in relation to the distance separating the two sprockets, to provide a substantial lag adapted to insure a sudden violent rotation of the socket element in response to the initiation of rotation of the driving sprocket.

6. The method of breaking a tight nut or bolt from a track rail which includes positioning a 11T socket about such nut or bolt, placingV said socket in-driven relation withaV slack sprocket'chain, providing a driving connection for said slack chain in engagement with said chain at a driving point spaced a substantial distance from the socket, providing substantialz slack in the chain between said driving point and the area of connection between the chain and the socket, initiat-u ing a'driving movement of the chain atV a time when the chain is substantially slack, and thereby imparting a sudden sharp twisting movement to thenut or bolt in response to initiation of drive of said chain, through the inertia provided by the slack portion of "the chain between the driving point and the socket.v Y

'7. In 'a track wrench, a base framev movable along a track, an arcuate track on said base frame, extending 'horizontally and transversely of the track and having its center-generally vertically aligned with one rail `of said" track, a.

wrench carriage mounted' for ready bodily movement along said arcuate track, generally horizontally axised rollersV on said carriage adapted to run along said. arcuate track, said wrench carriage including a wrench arm movable unitarily with the carriage and h'eld against movement in relation to said carriage, a track wrench on said arm, including a rotatable horizontally axised socket, a power plant on said carriage,

a driving connection between said-power plant and said socket, the carriage being manually tiltable upon said arcuate track whereby to align said socket horizontally with the side of the rail, said rollers constituting pivot means for said carriage, and manually operable means for controlling the driving connection between the power plant and the socket.

8. In a track wrench, a base frame movable along a track, 'an arcuate track on said base frame, extending horizontally land transversely of the track and having its center generally vertically' aligned with one rail of said track, a wrench carriage mounted for ready bodily movement along said arcuate track, said wrench carriage including awrench arm movable unitarily with the vcarriage and held against movement in relation to said carriage, a track wrench on said arm, including aA rotatable horizontally axised socket, a power plant on said carriage, a driving connection between said power plant and said socket, the carriage being manually tiltable upon said arcuate track whereby to align said socket horizontally with the side of the rail, manually operable means for controlling Ythe driving connection between the power plant and the socket, and yielding means for selectively biasing said Wrench carriage for movement in either direction endwise alongY said track.

9,'In a track wrench, a base frame movable along a track, an arcuate track on said base frame,extending horizontally and transversely of the track and having its center generally vertically aligned with one rail of said track, a wrench carriage mounted for ready bodily movement along said arcuate track, said wrench carriage including a wrench arm movable unitarily with the carriage and held against movement in relation to said carriage, a track wrench on said arm, including a rotatable horizontally axised socket member having a socket element facing outwardly at each end, a power plant on said carriage,l a driving connection between said power plant and said socket, the carriage being manually tiltable upon said arcuate track where- Y by to align said socket horizontally Ywith the for selectively biasing said wrenchl carriage for movement in either direction endwise along Said track.

10. g-Ina track'wrench, a base frame movable along 'a1 track,';an arcuate ='track jonsaid, base frame, extending horizontally andY transversely of the track and having its center generally vertically aligned with one "rail of said track,` a wrench carriage mounted for ready bodily movement along said arcuatetrack, said wrenchY car-v riage including a wrench arm movable unitarilyY with the carriage and held against movement in relation to said carriage, a track wrench on said arm, including a rotatable horizontally axised socket, a power plantgon said carriage, a drivingj connection betweensaid power plant yand said socket, the carriage being manually tiltable upon said arcuate track whereby to align said socket horizontally with the side of the rail, manually operable means for controlling the driving con'- nection between the power plant and the socket, and spring means adapted normally to rotate said wrench carriage about said track and to lift' said socket upwardly from the track.

11.7 In a track wrench, a base frame movable along a track, an arcuate track on said base frame, extending horizontally and transversely of the track and having its vcenter-.generally vertically aligned with one rail of said track, a wrench carriage mounted for ready bodily movement along said arcuate track,`said wrench carriage including a wrench arm movable unitarly with the carriage and held against movement inV relation to said carriage, a track wrench on said arm, including a rotatable horizontally axised socket, a power plant on said carriage, a driving connection between said power plant and said socket, the carriage being manually tiltable upon said arcuate track whereby to align said' socket horizontally with the side of the rail, manually operable means for controlling the driving connection between the power plant andthe socket, Y

and yielding means adapted normally to rotate said wrench carriage about said track and to lift said socket upwardly from the track,'and means for positively locking said carriage with said socket thus upwardly withdrawn.

l2. In a track wrench, a base frame freely movable along a track, said base frame includingV a structural element spanning and overlying the rails of a track, rail engaging wheels mounted adjacent opposite ends ofy said element,and anVv arcuate track lying in a generally horizontalv plane, and formed about an axis generally vertically aligned with one rail of the track, a subframe, and wheels therefor adapted to ride along said arcuate track, said wheels being formed and adapted to constitute pivots upon which said subframe is tiltable, the weight of said sub-frame being substantially entirely carried by said wheels, a wrench arm adjacent one end of said sub-frame and a motor adjacent the other, at opposite sides of said arcuate track and wheels, and a horizontally axised socket on said Wrench arm and a driving connection between said socket and said motor.

13. The structure of claim 12 characterized by and including spring means adapted normally to hold said sub-frame in position with said socket above the level of the tops of the track rails. 14. The structure of claim 12 characterized by and including spring means adapted normally toI hold said sub-frame in position with said socket above the level of the tops of the track rails, and operating means for said sub-frame including a handle structure extending upwardly from the end of the sub-frame upon which the wrench socket is positioned.

15. The structure of claim 12 characterized by and including spring means adapted normally to hold said subframe in position with said socket above the level of the tops of the track rails, operating means for said sub-frame including a handle structure extending upwardly from the end of the sub-frame upon which the wrench socket is positioned, and a motor control element movably positioned upon said handle structure.

16. In a track wrench, a base frame movable along a railroad track, a tilting track on said base frame extending generally horizontally and transversely of the track, a wrench carriage mounted for movement along said tilting track and for tilting movement in relation to said track, said wrench carriage including a Wrench arm movable unitarily with the carriage, a track Wrench on said arm including a rotatable horif zontally axised socket element, a power plant on said carriage, a driving connection between said power plant and said socket element, the carriage being manually tiltable whereby to align said socket element horizontally with the element to be operated on, and manually operable means for controlling the driving connection between the power plant and the socket member.

1'?. The structure of claim 16 characterized in that the manually operable means for controlling the driving connection between the power plant and the socket member are adapted for the manual tilting of the wrench carriage.

HENRY I-I. TALBOYS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date Re. 20,232 Talboys Jan. 5, 1937 1,652,358 Heider Dec. 13, 1927 1,676,624 Ulrich July 10, 1928 1,807,367 Woolery May 26, 1931 2,037,701 Bronander Apr. `21, 1936 2,137,998 Bronander Nov. L29, 1938 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 541,214 France Apr. 29, 1922 664,054 France Apr. 116, 1929 '730,221 France May 9, 1932 

